Battle of Torroella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Torroella |
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| Part of the Nine Years' War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 France |
 Spain |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Duc de Noailles | Marquis of Villena-Escalona | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 26,000 | 20,000 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 1,300 casualties | 5,700 casualties | ||||||
The Battle of Torroella, also called the Battle of the Ter River, was a big fight during the Nine Years' War. It happened on May 27, 1694, near the Ter River and the town of Girona in Catalonia, Spain. In this battle, the French army won against the Spanish forces.
What Led to the Battle
In 1694, the French king decided to focus his army's efforts in Catalonia. He sent more troops to the Spanish front. The French army was led by Marshal Duke of Noailles. He wanted to capture the important city of Girona.
The Spanish army was led by the Marquis of Villena, who was also the Captain General. He gathered almost all his available soldiers along the Ter River. His goal was to stop the strong French army.
Both armies had a similar number of soldiers. Each had about 20,000 foot soldiers and 4,000 to 5,000 horse soldiers. However, the French soldiers were mostly experienced veterans. Many Spanish soldiers were new recruits who had never fought in a battle before. The French also had more and better cannons, with well-trained crews.
The Battle Begins
The Spanish army split into three groups. They guarded different river crossings at Verges, Ullà, and Torroella. The Spanish leader said his whole army had about 16,300 soldiers. This included 11,900 foot soldiers and 4,000 horse soldiers.
For a few days, the French tried to cross the river at Verges, but they failed. Then, they moved to Ullà and Torroella de Montgri. On May 27, a thick fog covered the river banks. The French used this fog to their advantage.
About 2,000 French dragoons (soldiers who ride horses but fight on foot) and cavalry (horse soldiers) crossed the river without being seen. They were followed by many infantry grenadiers (foot soldiers). They crossed at Torroella de Montgri.
The French quickly attacked a part of the Spanish foot soldiers. These Spanish soldiers were not protected by trenches and had already been hit by French cannon fire.
Spanish Retreat
After firing their muskets once, the Spanish soldiers could not stop the French attack. They began to run away from the battlefield. This caused great confusion among the rest of the Spanish army. Many Spanish soldiers were killed because they could not fight back effectively.
The remaining Spanish horse soldiers also retreated. This left all the foot soldiers without any protection. When the Spanish leader heard about this defeat, and saw many French troops crossing the river, the entire Spanish army became chaotic. The horse soldiers and the rearguard (the part of the army that protects the back) fled all the way to Girona.
The French army then moved forward against the Spanish with little resistance. They killed many Spanish soldiers. They also captured a lot of supplies, cannons, and army flags.
What Happened Next
Official reports said the Spanish lost about 2,931 foot soldiers and 324 horse soldiers. This included those killed, wounded, and those who ran away. French reports claimed the Spanish lost over 9,000 men, including 2,000 prisoners. The French said they only lost about 500 soldiers.
Because of this defeat, the Spanish leader had to send some troops to Girona. He marched with most of his army towards Barcelona. He stayed there for the entire month of June. Meanwhile, the French army looted more than 10 villages near the Ter River.
On May 30, three days after the battle, the French leader Noailles began to block the fortress of Palamos by land and sea. Palamos surrendered to the French on June 10. The city of Girona was captured by the French on June 29.
Barcelona was saved because the French minister of war reduced money for Marshal Noailles. This made it harder for his army to move forward. Also, an English fleet led by Edward Russell came closer. This made the French fleet, led by Tourville, retreat to Toulon.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Torroella para niños
